METRO SANTA CRUZ

Blazing his own trail along the often-arduous path of conscious roots reggae, Taj Weekes manages to find rays of light in an often dark and dismal age. The optimism shines directly from Weekes' vocal tone--soft, airy and uplifting--though it is most evident in his chosen song topics. Themes include the cycle of global violence and oppression, emotional solidarity, and even environmental havoc--think Bob Marley for the Green generation. His newest album, Deidem, is the follow up to his debut LP, Hope and Doubt; both records present an intensely stimulating, and invigorating collection of classic roots reggae. (GW)